Robert (Bob) Wayne Blassingame

Robert Wayne Blassingame (Bob), 99, of Lubbock, formerly of Big Spring, passed away April 13, 2024. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 6:00 pm, Monday, April 15, 2024 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Graveside services will be at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at Trinity Memorial Park.

Robert Wayne Blassingame (Bob) was born in Colorado City, Texas, in 1924, to Arthur V. Blassingame and Daisy M. Bell Blassingame.

Robert grew up helping on the family farms. He left school in his junior year to help his dad establish a new farm in the Howard County area. Robert enlisted in the US Army Air Corp during WWII and began a long career as a valued aircraft mechanic, eventually working at Webb Air Force Base in Big Spring for many years. When he retired from the Civil Service, he realized his dream of doing anything he wanted, especially exploring national and state parks all over America.

One of Robert’s favorite stories happened when he was serving in the military during WWII. He and a buddy from Kansas decided to take a leave from the base and head to Philadelphia, only a short train ride away. They wanted to see if they could get tickets to the Army/Navy game. Outside the stadium, a wealthy man heard their story and gave them tickets, which turned out to be on the fifty-yard line and only a few rows back from President Harry Truman, who was escorted in by the Secret Service.

Robert fell in love with Lil (Lillie Lindsey) and they married in 1951 after a whirlwind courtship of six weeks. He and Lil had two daughters, Susan Blassingame and Jo Lynn Logan, who were the joys of their lives. Jo Lynn and her husband, John, had their beloved grandson, James, who spent much time with his grandparents traveling in the motor homes and visiting campgrounds in Texas and Colorado.

One of Robert’s greatest personal achievements was hiking the Lost Mine Trail in Big Bend with grandson James and daughter Jo Lynn, making it to the top when he was in his 80s. A ranger in the park said that three generations making it to the top was a rare feat. Robert loved exploring mountain trails, and he and daughter Susan spent many summers in Colorado, hiking and exploring trails in the “Fourteeners.” He was a great asset on any hike and was a popular hiking companion. He and two friends many years younger than he explored and laid out a hiking trail that connected two national forests in the Aspen Acres area of Colorado.

Robert was a wonderful father, taking his girls and Lil on many great family vacations. They traveled all the Scenic Trails of Texas one spring break, helping Susan build a fabulous wildflower collection for a biology assignment. He and Jo Lynn shared a love for baseball, and the family took many trips to Houston to watch the Astros play in the Astrodome.

Robert had friends all over the United States from his and Lil’s many travels. His family and friends will miss him dearly.

Robert is survived by daughter Susan, of Lubbock, and daughter Jo Lynn and husband John of Odessa. His beloved grandson, James, and his wife Brooke live in Midland. John and Mary Logan and their sons Jake and Shawn live in Littleton, CO. Marcus and Erin Logan and their children Gabe and Sarah live in Prosper, TX. He also leaves behind three sisters: Bobbie Webb of San Angelo, Margie Larson of Memphis, TN, and Betty Driver of Big Spring. He leaves behind many nephews and nieces who loved him very much. The family also has dear friends who will miss Robert: Jim and Tammy DePauw, Janie and Nelson Coulter, Coulter and Jodie Reel, and McKenzie and Kevin Chisum.

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends memorials to the Hangar 25 Museum in Big Spring, Covenant Foundation of Lubbock, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com

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